User interface system

Abstract

The user interface system of the preferred embodiment includes: a layer defining a surface, a substrate supporting the layer and at least partially defining a cavity, a displacement device coupled to the cavity and adapted to expand the cavity thereby deforming a particular region of the surface, a touch sensor coupled to the substrate and adapted to sense a user touch proximate the particular region of the surface, and a display coupled to the substrate and adapted to output images to the user. The user interface system of the preferred embodiments has been specifically designed to be incorporated into an electronic device, such as the display of a mobile phone, but may be incorporated in any suitable device that interfaces with a user in both a visual and tactile manner.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A user interface comprising:
 a substrate defining a fluid channel coupled to a cavity;   a tactile layer comprising a tactile surface, a deformable region cooperating with the substrate to define the cavity, and a first region coupled to the substrate proximal a perimeter of the cavity;   an elongated member extending from the substrate at a base of the cavity into the cavity toward the deformable region, the elongated member coupled to the substrate and resisting substantial deformation of the deformable region into the cavity;   a displacement device fluidly coupled to the fluid channel, the displacement device displacing fluid through the fluid channel, transitioning the deformable region from a retracted setting to an expanded setting, the deformable region in the expanded setting tactilely distinguishable from the deformable region in the retracted setting; and   a sensor coupled to the substrate and emitting an output signal corresponding to an input on the tactile surface at the deformable region.   
     
     
         2 . The user interface of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated member comprises a substantially columnar protrusion extending from the substrate at the base of the cavity toward the deformable region, the columnar protrusion substantially continuous with the substrate, a free end of the columnar protrusion distal the base of the cavity and resisting deformation of the deformable region into the cavity passed flush with the tactile surface at the first region. 
     
     
         3 . The user interface of  claim 1 , wherein the cavity and the elongated member are cylindrical in cross section, and wherein the elongated member is undersized in the cavity. 
     
     
         4 . The user interface of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated member comprises a material of a refractive index substantially similar to a refractive index of fluid in the cavity. 
     
     
         5 . The user interface of  claim 1 , wherein, in the retracted setting, the tactile surface at the deformable region is flush with the tactile surface at the first region and the deformable region is in contact with a free end of the elongated member, the free end distal the base of the cavity. 
     
     
         6 . The user interface of  claim 5 , wherein, in the expanded setting, the deformable region is lifted off of the free end of the elongated member. 
     
     
         7 . The user interface of  claim 1 , wherein the touch sensor comprises a capacitive touch sensor. 
     
     
         8 . The user interface of  claim 1 , wherein the displacement device comprises a mechanical pump. 
     
     
         9 . The user interface of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated member comprises a support member that cooperates with the substrate to define a fluid conduit, the fluid conduit communicating fluid from the fluid channel into a volume defined by the support member, the substrate, and the deformable region. 
     
     
         10 . The user interface of  claim 1  incorporated into an electronic device selected from the group consisting of: an automotive console, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a television, a radio, a desk phone, a mobile phone, a PDA, a personal navigation device, a personal media player, a camera, and a watch. 
     
     
         11 . A user interface comprising:
 a volume of a fluid;   a substrate;   a tactile layer comprising a tactile surface, a deformable region cooperating with the substrate to define a cavity, and a first region coupled to the substrate proximal a perimeter of the cavity;   an elongated member extending from the substrate at a base of the cavity into the cavity toward the deformable region, the elongated member coupled to the substrate and resisting substantial inward deformation of the deformable region into the cavity;   a displacement device fluidly coupled to a fluid channel, the displacement device displacing fluid through the fluid channel, transitioning the deformable region from a retracted setting to an expanded setting, the deformable region in the expanded setting tactilely distinguishable from the deformable region in the retracted setting; and   a sensor coupled to the substrate and emitting an output signal corresponding to an input on the tactile surface at the deformable region.   
     
     
         12 . The user interface of  claim 11 , wherein the substrate defines a fluid channel communicating a portion of the volume of the fluid between the cavity and the displacement device, and wherein the displacement device comprises a pump displacing a portion of the volume of the fluid through the fluid channel to transition the deformable region from the retracted setting to the expanded setting. 
     
     
         13 . The user interface of  claim 12 , wherein the elongated member and the cavity cooperate to define a gap between a wall of the cavity and the elongated member, wherein the gap defines a fluid path communicating fluid from the fluid channel to a back surface of the deformable region opposite the tactile surface. 
     
     
         14 . The user interface of  claim 11 , further comprising a display coupled to the substrate and outputting an image of an input key substantially aligned with the deformable region. 
     
     
         15 . The user interface of  claim 14 , wherein a portion of the volume of the fluid fills the cavity in the retracted setting and in the expanded setting, and wherein the volume of the fluid, the substrate, the tactile layer, and the elongated member are substantially transparent. 
     
     
         16 . The user interface of  claim 11 , wherein, in the retracted setting, the deformable region rests on a surface of the elongated member, and wherein in the expanded setting, the deformable region is lifted off of the elongated member. 
     
     
         17 . The user interface of  claim 11 , wherein the tactile surface is continuous across the deformable region and first region, and wherein, in the retracted setting, the tactile surface at the deformable region is flush with the tactile surface at the first region and the deformable region is in contact with a free end of the elongated member, the free end distal the base of the cavity. 
     
     
         18 . The user interface of  claim 11 , wherein the elongated member comprises a porous polymer. 
     
     
         19 . The user interface of  claim 11 , further comprising a reservoir coupled to the displacement device, the reservoir storing an excess volume of fluid. 
     
     
         20 . The user interface of  claim 11 , wherein the tactile layer defines a second deformable region cooperating with the substrate to define a second cavity; wherein the displacement device is fluidly coupled to the second cavity and displaces fluid into the second cavity, selectively transitioning the second deformable region from a retracted setting to an expanded setting, the second deformable region in the expanded setting tactilely distinguishable from the second deformable region in the retracted setting.